Research Information System
AÇBID 15. International Congress, 11 May 2022
Objective: Ectopic mandibular third molar is a rare clinical condition. Few case reports have
been reported in the literature regarding ectopic third molars located in the mandibular ramus.
Ectopic mandibular third molars are usually asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such
as pain, swelling, trismus, and purulent discharge from intraoral or extraoral fistulas. If these
teeth are symptomatic, they should be surgically removed.
Case: A 31-year-old female patient resorted to our clinic with complaints of intraoral discharge
and pain in the mandible. It was observed that there was an intraoral fistula in the ascending
ramus in the intraoral examination. Panoramic radiography showed a third molar located left
side of the ascending ramus of the mandible (Figure 1). A cone-beam computerized tomography
scan showed the tooth is close to the lingual cortex of the ascending ramus and contact with
the mandibular canal. Surgical removal was performed under general anaesthesia using an
intraoral approach. İt was removed in one piece by elevation with a wire-screw attached for
this reason the third molar is located close to the lingual cortex (Figure 2).
Conclusion: Ectopic mandibular third molars are rare and usually discovered because of the
clinical symptoms. The treatment method is the surgical removal of these teeth. Considering
the position of the teeth, a surgical approach should be applied that will cause minimal trauma
to the patients.